The final "safe harbor" regulation on ambulance restocking was published by the OIG in the Federal Register on December 4, 2001. The regulations, which become effective on January 3, 2002, establish "safe harbors" under the Federal Anti-Kickback Statute to permit, under certain conditions, the replenishing of drugs, linens and supplies by hospitals to ambulance services. There are some significant changes from the proposed regulations published last year.

In brief, the safe harbor...